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Sessions are 75 minutes in length and take place starting Saturday through Tuesday.

One-half of the conference program is devoted to proposals submitted by volunteers. The other half of the program comprises symposia, training workshops, division sessions, Local Host Committee sessions, and special APA research and policy initiatives. The competition for the volunteer sessions/general submissions is heavy, and approximately one in three proposals is selected.

Sponsorship

For information on becoming a sponsor, click here.

Complete session proposals include:

• Proposed Session Title
• Key Learning Objectives
• One Topic
• General description
• Outline of Session
• Case Studies
• Research
• What information will people take back to their own community?
• Names of expected speakers

Complete Session Proposal

Propose a complete session. The session proposer has full control of the speakers and the session topic. If selected, you are responsible for confirming speakers, creating the content of the session, assigning a session organizer, and ensuring that the session is appropriately implemented.

Fast, Passionate, Planning Presentations

These very popular, short 7 minute, 21 slide, presentations are typically based on personal projects or short visual essays. Slides are automatically timed and presentations can only last 7 minutes. The format requires a well-conceived presentation, good visuals, and a great deal of rehearsal. A sense of humor helps. Due to increased demand, APA is expanding the program for the 2012 National Conference. If you are interested in proposing this type of presentation, include the words "Fast and Funny" before your proposed title.

Special Session Tracks

Each year, APA invites session proposals on topics that will be highlighted at the conference. Your session proposal does not have to fit a track. Tracks comprise only a portion of the conference program. Select a track ONLY if your session proposal directly relates to track. There is no competitive advantage in selecting a track. APA is responsible for all track assignments. Learn more about special tracks using the link on the right side of this page.

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Both APA members and non-members are invited to submit a poster presentation proposal. Each poster is required to have at least one APA member associated with it. Student members of APA are invited to submit student poster proposals, and they are reviewed separately. All posters are displayed in the exhibit hall Saturday through Monday, with a special time on Sunday for poster presentations.

Guidelines

Posters must be shaped for a planner and planning official audience. Here are some important tips:

• Posters are educational and cannot be a promotion of a product, service, or organization.
• Posters will focus on research, a case study, project, or program.
• Posters are an ideal venue for single presenters or planning research.
• Non-members should familiarize themselves with the APA and the work of planners before you submit; study the APA website.

Poster Proposals include:

• Proposed Title
• Topic
• Two Key Learning Objectives
• General Description
• What will people take back to their own community?
• Names of additional poster participants

Each presentation 7 minutes long, with no more than 21 slides total. Slides are automatically timed and the complete presentation can last no more than 7 minutes. Presentations will be scheduled throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday in the Exhibit Hall, and require a well-conceived presentation and a great deal of rehearsal. If you are interested in proposing this type of presentation, include the words "Capstone Presentation" before your proposed title.

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The Technology Showcase consists of demonstrations and discussions regarding software, project applications, and case studies of visioning software, databases, GIS, and other planning information technology.

Technology Showcase presentations are one hour in length and take place in a room equipped with computer, screen, and projection system. In addition to this technology, there are two workstations located in the rear of the room, suitable for demonstrations. This format works well for presentations that are more detailed and instructive and that do not fit a three-person panel discussion format.

The formal presentation is no more than 40 minutes. The remaining 20 minutes is devoted to one-on-one time with attendees in a hands-on demonstration area following your presentation.

Eligibility to Submit for the Technology Showcase

These presentations are open only to staff of government agencies, university research institutions, and nonprofits. Any other presenter in this program must be an official sponsor of the program. For information on becoming a sponsor, click here.

Technology Showcases must be shaped for a planner and planning official audience. Here are some important tips:

• Presentations are educational and not simply a promotion of a product or service.
• Presentations will demonstrate how the technology can be used in other communities or situations.
• Presentations should include an assessment of software, etc., in terms of challenges and advantages.
• Familiarize yourself with the APA and the work of planners before you submit; study the APA website.

Technology Showcase proposals include:

• Proposed Title
• Topic
• Two Key Learning Objectives
• General Description
• Software of application to be demonstrated
• What information will people take back to their own community?
• Names of expected speakers

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Training workshops are either full-day (8 hours) or half-day (4 hours) programs. Training workshops provide practical skill development for planners and officials as they perform their jobs. Workshops incorporate lectures, hands-on experience such as exercises, extensive interaction, and useful resources for participants. The competition for these workshops is strong.

Selection criteria includes:

1. Overall quality
2. Well-defined focus
3. Timeliness of topic
4. Relevance to the planning profession
5. Practical application of material
6. Presentation skill of the proposed speaker(s)
7. Applicability to a national audience
8. Quality of written proposal
9. Experience as a workshop leader

Workshops must be shaped for a planner or a planning official audience. Here are some important tips:

• Workshops are educational and cannot be a promotion of a product, service, or organization.
• Familiarize yourself with APA and the work of planners before you submit; study the APA website.
• Workshops must provide enough depth for attendees to act upon the instruction. 
• Workshops will focus on skill building and address topics in which there are well-developed case studies and experience from which to draw lessons.
• Workshops incorporate active learning.

Prepare the description of the proposal in a word processing file first. Put effort into the proposal. Edit the description carefully. After you have edited the proposal, cut and paste the description into the proposal form.

How well your proposal is written strongly influences the selection committee. The more thought you put into the proposal up front, the smoother the process of pulling your workshop together will be. Again, be certain to review and edit your written proposal. It may be helpful to have someone else look it over to make certain your ideas are expressed clearly.

Training Workshop proposals include:

• Proposed Title
• Topic
• Two Key Learning Objectives
• General Description
• Case Studies
• Skill or knowledge acquired by attendees
• Description of handouts
• What will people take back to their own community?
• Names of expected speakers

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Audiences for Facilitated Discussions may include: planning directors, students, new professionals, youth and planning, planning commissioners, elected officials, and appointed officials. Facilitated Discussions are not formal presentations, but interactive conversations among attendees.

Regulating Design for Density

How do you include design guidelines in regulations to ensure context appropriate design for higher density development? How do you avoid negative density discussions without a design component? How do you best use graphics and visuals to diffuse those seeking only low densities. How do you link design positively with "hard" issues such as active lifestyles and economic development and avoid "soft" issue linkages, such as charges of frivolous aesthetics regulation?

Small Firm Exchange

Private Practice planners in firms of six or less are invited to this roundtable exchange. Discussion topics will focus on the concerns of small firms. Come and share your experience and hear solutions.

Helping the Public to Understand Planning

Share your knowledge and experiences involving public education. Make your planning commission meetings and programs productive and engaging.

Ideals Meet Reality

Your vision for the future of society led you to the planning profession. The reality of the workplace challenges how you can implement your goals. How do you work as a planner and still act upon your principles? Share your experiences and hear from veteran planners who have successfully managed this conflict.

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To propose a division session, select your division name where prompted on the proposal form.

Sessions are 75 minutes in length and take place Saturday through Tuesday.

One-half of the conference program is devoted to proposals submitted by volunteers. The other half of the program comprises symposia, training workshops, division sessions, Local Host Committee sessions, and special APA research and policy initiatives. The competition for the volunteer sessions/general submissions is heavy, and approximately one in three proposals is selected. If you select this option your proposal will be reviewed by the division selection committee and if not selected, it will be reviewed with the general call for proposals.

Conference Session Instructions

Complete session proposals include:

• Proposed Session Title
• Two Key Learning Objectives
• One Topic
• General description
• Outline of Session
• Case Studies
• Research
• What information will people take back to their own community?
• Names of expected speakers

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Mobile workshops incorporate multiple modes of transportation, including public transportation, bicycle, walking, jogging, boat, and motorcoach. By submitting a proposal, you agree to organize this mobile workshop, or delegate another individual to complete all preparations for this workshop. This may include, securing speakers, ordering alternative transportation (bike, canoe, trolley), purchasing snacks or lunch, and coordinating with off-site locations.

Mobile workshop proposals include:

• Two Key Learning Objectives
• General description of the workshop
• Proposed mobile workshop itinerary
• Information and skills attendees will take back to their community
• Duration of mobile workshop (in hours)
• Proposed budget of mobile workshop
• What information will people take back to their own community?
• Proposed mode of transportation

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To propose a local host committee track session, select this track where prompted on the proposal form.

Sessions are 75 minutes in length and take place Saturday through Tuesday.

One-half of the conference program is devoted to proposals submitted by volunteers. The other half of the program comprises symposia, training workshops, division sessions, Local Host Committee sessions, and special APA research and policy initiatives. The competition for the volunteer sessions/general submissions is heavy, and approximately one in three proposals is selected. If you select this option your proposal will be reviewed by the local selection committee and if not selected, it will be reviewed with the general call for proposals.

Complete session proposals include:

• Proposed Session Title
• Two Key Learning Objectives
• One Topic
• General description
• Outline of Session
• Case Studies
• Research
• What information will people take back to their own community?
• Names of expected speakers